26/11/2021
Business in the Spotlight: A Treasured Something
My First Media Art Painting ....
03/04/2021
Business in the Spotlight is Create England
Today's business in the Spotlight is: Create England
I discovered Andy of 'Create England' on Twitter:
On Twitter he is Andy@Create-England Please do go to visit and Follow him there for the latest news and creations.
How the Business started
From Andy:
I started my small business out of necessity. I had a bad episode of mental health issues that left me unable to get work. I don't like being bored so I got myself a sewing machine and taught myself the basics. I discovered that I really enjoyed it, being creative cleared my head and gave me a focus. I began to make and sell a few things.
Of course, then the Pandemic hit us and I was asked to make facemasks. I also started making laundry bags for the local hospital from old pillowcases.
Making Bags
This then led me in to making bags which I now have a passion for. I like to make bags that are unique, strong, practical and look good too.
I purchased jeans, with broken buttons and zips, from the local charity shop and cut them up for the fabric to turn into bags.
My Take so far:
I love this bag, looks good and is very practical. Eco friendly too, having been made from recycled fabric, which is just what we need to help the planet. What an easy way to do your bit for the environment, not only not using plastic but purchasing an eco friendly bag!
It's great to see and encourage those that want to help themselves to recovery from mental health issues as well as being determined to work no matter what!
Back to Andy:
When the charity shops closed due to Covid-19 I had to think of other ways to make bags.
I had seen cushions made from lovely fabrics, so after looking into it, I decided to use that fabric to make some bags. And so my range of animal bags was born.
I continued to learn, innovate and improve my craft, something that, of course when you are doing something you love, never ends,My Take on these:
I think these look absolutely gorgeous. There are a variety of bags available besides the ones you see here.
More from Andy:
I think:
When I spotted those on the website I thought what a brilliant idea they are. Not just for those that struggle to pick up the post but for those with pets. Especially the ones that like to eat the post if they can or even just like to rip it or make it unreadable by chewing it to a pulp.
Then of course there are babies and small children. Crawling babies love anything that appears within reach and love nothing better than a good chew to help their gums while teething. Toddlers like to 'help' by opening the post even if the contents are no longer whole and sometimes they wander off with it and tuck it away safely somewhere unbeknown to parents.
So here is an unusual gift, a letterbox post catcher, that is ideal for yourself or to give to someone you know. Great for the elderly or those that struggle generally with mobility, for parents and pet owners too.
Final words from Andy:
Conclusion
15/01/2021
Starting your Business, Basics
Let me say upfront, that I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Having said that, I have been selling online for over 10 years now. I love the freedom it gives me and has given me for years.
I made the leap to working fulltime for myself when I got made redundant. I gave myself 8 months, from May when I became redundant to January.
I told myself that if it wasn't earning me a decent wage by then I would get another job. That's a great incentive, especially in the winter, when it's wonderful to not have to go out in the cold, the rain, snow and whatever else winter throws at us.
This is literally the basic bare bones to get you started. Which is still more than I had when I started. If I can do it, so can you!
How to get started!
A shop
My Shops: Etsy & NOTHS
A website
My Website
Social Media
Which Ones!
What else?
Now is the time! A ditty!
Time to take the leap?
06/01/2021
5 Must Do's when business is slow
Pandemic makes it different!
In normal times!
Traditionally January and February are slow for crafters.Why?
Christmas has gone, winter drags on, many people are spent out.
Sales are good right?
The answer!
What you can do!
1). Get your accounts up to date.
2). Clear out your workspace.
3). Grow your social media accounts!
When you are busy, this is something that doesn't get as much attention. I found I would do the basics necessary and when extra busy, social media was dropped in favour of getting the orders out.
How?
4). Try different crafts.
5). New Ideas
A bit of rhyme for you!
The pandemic had me rhyming againI think it helped to keep me sane.Once I start I go into rhyming modeI seem to hit the mother lode.My brain just rhymes whatever I seeonce more the verses are part of me.This one is to tell you to get to workthis is definitely not the time to shirk.Millions and billions are looking to buyGet yourself out there, don't be shy.Get out the trumpet, blow your horndon't hide away, looking forlorn.This is great time to sell onlinearrange your goods, so they look fine.Help people find what they needand know you're doing a good deed!
Another day I will add several of the new ditties/verses I have done over the last few months.
I know many of you seemed to like the rhymes.
It became something I did.It feels good to get back into blogging again.
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Hope you enjoyed the post, if you did please share. If you didn't share it with someone you aren't keen on, lol.
08/04/2020
Personalise Crafts & Gifts with Embroidery
What is Embroidery?
VEYLIN 5 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit
Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric with designs stitched with thread or yarn. Embroidery can be done by hand or by a sewing machine. It can also include the addition of beads, quills, pearls, metals, and other objects. Embroidery can be done free-form or with the use of a pattern.
The art of embroidery has been around for thousands of years or longer. People all over the world have been using it to personalize and decorate their garments and home décor for ages. Embroidery is simple to do and allows you the freedom to create some very beautiful works of art.
You can embroider by hand, which takes time but can be very relaxing and enjoyable. It can also be done by machine where the art is more in the designing than the doing I believe.
If you love gadgets and haven't looked at sewing machines in years, if ever, you will love the way they have evolved. Nowadays they are multifunctional, they don't just sew clothes, now they overlock, quilt and embroider too.
Having had a look, I have to say there are some gorgeous sewing machines available. I have seen machine embroidery and it looks stunning. Well worth considering.
I think its fun to have a goyou'll even have something to showfor the effort you have put inI see that as a win win.Something to while away the daynow that we are shut away.Don't complain, not a groanor even the tiniest moan.If it saves the lives of just a fewthen its the least that we can do.The doctors and nurses so wearylosing so many is making them teary.All we have to do is stay insidewhile they hang on for the scary ride.
What and Where?
Caydo Embroidery Kit
Some of the easiest things to embroider on are clothing and towels. Baby showers are becoming popular here in the UK now and it makes the gift special if the baby's name is embroidered onto baby clothes, towels or blankets. It just adds a very special personal touch.Of course not every new Mother to be wants to know the gender of the baby and even those that do know haven't always decided on a name. In that case you can give the gift and offer to add the name afterwards.
Personalised wedding presents are also popular. The happy couples names and even the date can be added to towels, tea towels or a wall hanging. It just makes the gift even more personal to have it hand sewn.
Children.
Portable Sewing Machine,
Children love to learn crafts and you can get basic sewing sets with large blunt needles for basic embroidering of pictures.
Crafts went out of fashion for a number of years but are once again very popular with new crafts appearing often.
Personalised gifts are the ones you likely remember the most from your childhood even though they were probably not the most expensive presents you were given by loved ones. Fun items to personalise and give to a child include; backpacks, lunch bags, sleeping bags, clothing or even a special beach or bath towel just for them. You could embroider their initials, their name, or even a small motif of something they are interested in.
Give it a go!
There are many books on the subject available to buy or borrow from your local library, once they are open again.Ribbon Embroidery Kit
- The ribbon embroidery kit include pillowcase, ribbon, needles, instruction, drawings. (pillow core not included)
- High-quality materials: strictly selected materials, the pillow cover made of suede fabric, soft and comfortable.
- The ribbon is soft in texture and bright in color, with sufficient amount according to the pattern.
- Size: the size of the embroidery pillow is about 45*45 cm. Please confirm the size before buying.
- It can be used for sofa pillows, pillow head covers, elegant yet exquisite, fashionable choice of furniture matching.
You can also find patterns online and they will be in your local craft store too if you have one and if they survive the lockdown. Embroidery threads will probably only be available online at the moment, so it might be a good idea to try a craft kit
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull it out and start again.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your embroidery and come up with your own unique designs. There aren't any real mistakes in embroidery; just adjust the picture you were making, it's not as if anyone will know.
If it does go wrong and you aren't happy just pull it out and start again.
Personalising your gifts with some embroidery will make your gift recipient happy and at the same time show them that you went the extra mile to give a present that is so personal and special.
Have fun with your creating.
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Thank you for visiting, I hope you enjoyed this blog post with another idea to keep you occupied for a while at home.
Please share for others to enjoy.
Questions and comments welcome.
04/04/2020
Candle Making fun
Natural Beeswax Kit
Candle Making
Making your own candles is a favorite craft and/or hobby for lots of people. It can be fun to try different methods and get creative with colours and shapes.
Worth doing some research on the best types of wax to do if you are new to it. I think natural wax's, soy and beeswax are better purely because they give off up to 90% less soot so less polluting for your home. Using essential oils to scent them with is also better than commercial parfums.
Making your own can be more economical than buying them as good quality candles can be expensive.
Any craft can be enjoyable and relaxing, excellent to do in times of stress. Also very good for the world situation as it is now with so many of us confined to our homes due to Corona virus. Lockdown is necessary but it can be difficult to suddenly have freedom of movement curtailed.
Losing yourself in the creative process can be very therapeutic.
What's available?
There are of course other resources, such as You Tube for instructions. The beauty of video of course, is that you can stop and start it as required.
Once things are back to normal, the library too can be a great resource and many areas will have candle makers that offer classes.
Crafting can reduce stress
even though it makes a mess.
The sheer joy of making
whether candles or baking.
Try different crafts to find the one
that enthralls so you are gone
to a far away place of delight
where your mind goes when it takes flight.
Where imagination soars and leaps
in a way that says, this ones for keeps!
Making Candles and Soaps For Dummies
Instructions to make floating candles and herbal soaps. Learn the secrets of color, shape, and scent in an easy and enjoyable way.
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craft person, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home.
There are practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds and adding embellishments to your candles too.
Even some practical tips on turning your hobby into a business.
What more could you want.
House of Crafts Candlemaking Craft Kit
- Make your own candles
- This kit is packed full with creative new ideas within this ever-popular pastime
- Ideal for gifts
- Kit includes wax pellets, candle moulds, coloured dyes, fragrance oil, bulb pipette, wicks, wick rods, mould sealer and full instructions
Practical Uses.
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Questions and comments welcome.
Thank you for visiting.